FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
JANUARY 22, 2007

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S HEALTH COALITION
TO HONOR GLOBAL LEADERS AT SIXTH ANNUAL GALA

New York, NY: The International Women's Health Coalition (IWHC) announced today that it will hold its Sixth Annual Gala at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City on the evening of January 23, 2007. This year's gala is being underwritten by De Beers.

Each year IWHC selects individuals that demonstrate an exceptional commitment to promote and protect the health and human rights of women and girls around the world. This year, IWHC will recognize two global leaders who embody the principles of empowerment championed by IWHC.

The evening's honorees are Jan Egeland, outgoing United Nations Under-Secretary General for Humanitarian Affairs, and recently appointed a special advisor to the Secretary-General on issues of conflict; and Allan Rosenfield, Dean of the Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University. Both are staunch and outspoken supporters of women's health and rights. Human rights activist and IWHC grantee Monica Carrillo of Peru will also speak about her work with Afro-descendant youth in some of her country's most disadvantaged communities. Additionally, health activist and Hollywood actor Richard Gere will be in attendance as a special guest. 

"De Beers understands that securing a strong future for people everywhere depends on empowering women and girls to more fully contribute to their communities and their countries," said Nicky Oppenheimer, Chairman of DeBeers Group. "It is for this reason De Beers is supporting IWHC through their Annual Gala."

IWHC President Adrienne Germain adds, "IWHC's work, and our partnership with the De Beers Group, aims to shape a better future for the world's girls and women-a future in which they are healthy and safe, and all children can thrive. We are so pleased that De Beers has become part of this annual celebration of our vision."

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE GALA, PLEASE CONTACT:

Rosalind Kainyah
De Beers
Washington, DC
202-674-9440

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The International Women's Health Coalition is a New York-based organization, working to promote and protect the health and rights of women and girls worldwide for more than two decades.

De Beers was established in 1888 and is the world's leading diamond company with unrivalled expertise in exploration, mining and marketing of rough diamonds. De Beers and its partner companies employ more than 21,000 men and women in 25 countries on five continents. Visit www.debeersgroup.com for more information.

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